Review of Justified Means
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Steinkar
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- Latest Review: Justified Means by Cher Smith
Review of Justified Means
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Justified Means" by Cher Smith.]
In Justified Means, Cher Smith has created Katie Means, an aptly named woman struggling with the demands of a life she feels has been thrust upon her without her consent. She dreamed of becoming an archeologist but gave it up to marry her husband, Kevin. She imagined the joys of working alongside Kevin to preach the word of God but ends up as a stifled pastor’s wife in an ultraconservative church. She envisioned the joys of motherhood, but her son, Patrick, has autism, and she spends every waking minute feeling guilty that she can’t “fix” him. When she finally finds a special school for Patrick, the government decides to shut it down for lack of funds. Eventually, she blames God for all of this and turns away from Him. So, she becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, burglarizing rich houses to save Patrick’s school. As her self-esteem and confidence grow with every successful theft, she tries to convince herself not to feel guilty because she is doing it for a good cause. But Kevin, her friends, her therapist, and even Patrick in his own way keep nudging her to be honest with herself and face God with all of her sorrows and insecurities.
I love this book! There are many subplots, but each is so interesting in its own way, it’s hard to define a main plotline. Readers are forced to step back and realize what ties it all together is Katie’s inner turmoil. Smith’s brilliant choice of writing in a first-person point of view helps readers understand Katie from the inside out, breaking the facade she shows other characters. I also liked the way Smith used Katie’s names to portray the different roles she is forced to play in her life: “I’m Katherine to my mom, Katie to you [Kevin] and most of my friends. I was Kathy in elementary school, and I’m Kat to Jack.” The other characters are well-developed too. As the various plotlines develop, they all become protagonists, with Katie acting as the antagonist in each. Finally, the editing of the book is impeccable. It is such a joy to read good writing.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! The intensity of Katie’s psychological and emotional pain makes this not an easy read, but for me it was a quick read because I was so invested in Katie and the other characters. There is literally nothing I would change about this book.
Although there is nothing too vulgar or offensive in this book, I would recommend it only to mature readers. The problems Katie deals with in her life are beyond those of younger readers.
******
Justified Means
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Justified Means, Cher Smith has created Katie Means, an aptly named woman struggling with the demands of a life she feels has been thrust upon her without her consent. She dreamed of becoming an archeologist but gave it up to marry her husband, Kevin. She imagined the joys of working alongside Kevin to preach the word of God but ends up as a stifled pastor’s wife in an ultraconservative church. She envisioned the joys of motherhood, but her son, Patrick, has autism, and she spends every waking minute feeling guilty that she can’t “fix” him. When she finally finds a special school for Patrick, the government decides to shut it down for lack of funds. Eventually, she blames God for all of this and turns away from Him. So, she becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, burglarizing rich houses to save Patrick’s school. As her self-esteem and confidence grow with every successful theft, she tries to convince herself not to feel guilty because she is doing it for a good cause. But Kevin, her friends, her therapist, and even Patrick in his own way keep nudging her to be honest with herself and face God with all of her sorrows and insecurities.
I love this book! There are many subplots, but each is so interesting in its own way, it’s hard to define a main plotline. Readers are forced to step back and realize what ties it all together is Katie’s inner turmoil. Smith’s brilliant choice of writing in a first-person point of view helps readers understand Katie from the inside out, breaking the facade she shows other characters. I also liked the way Smith used Katie’s names to portray the different roles she is forced to play in her life: “I’m Katherine to my mom, Katie to you [Kevin] and most of my friends. I was Kathy in elementary school, and I’m Kat to Jack.” The other characters are well-developed too. As the various plotlines develop, they all become protagonists, with Katie acting as the antagonist in each. Finally, the editing of the book is impeccable. It is such a joy to read good writing.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! The intensity of Katie’s psychological and emotional pain makes this not an easy read, but for me it was a quick read because I was so invested in Katie and the other characters. There is literally nothing I would change about this book.
Although there is nothing too vulgar or offensive in this book, I would recommend it only to mature readers. The problems Katie deals with in her life are beyond those of younger readers.
******
Justified Means
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Justified Means by Cher Smith
